UK manufacturers operating in Canada were given a boost from NBS this week as it updated the NBS BIM Object Standard for use across Canada and the UK.
The updated standard will allow manufacturers to share their product information digitally across both countries, and has been developed in consultation with companies operating in Canada including; Arup Associates, IBC Canada, House of Commons, Smart BIM Solutions and Western University.
Manufacturers operating in Canada who update their BIM objects in the NBS National BIM Library to meet the updated standard will see their objects found more easily by those using the library in Canada.
This update from NBS, who provide technical information, specification and BIM tools to construction industry professionals, is another step to promoting international adoption of the standard.
“Setting an international standard means companies can bring efficiencies when working globally, providing a common way to talk to each other,” said NBS CEO Richard Waterhouse.
“Customers trust the quality of our data and its relevance to the requirements of designers, specifiers and other construction industry professionals around the world.BIM objects that meet the requirements of the NBS BIM Object Standard will help to realise the true benefits of digital construction - resulting in better value across the whole life of the built asset.”
NBS worked with companies across Canada to review the standard to understand how well it met the needs of the Canadian market, taking time to understand any local adjustments to ensure that the NBS BIM Object Standard meets the needs of the global market.
The NBS BIM Object Standard was published for the first time in 2014, defining clear requirements against which all BIM objects can be assessed.
“At NBS we were quick to recognise that the lack of an industry-wide standard for BIM objects was a significant barrier to the construction industry's successful transition to a digital future and its adoption of BIM,” continued Richard.
“Our vision is for the entire global construction industry to have access to BIM objects that can be used freely, safe in the knowledge that they contain the same levels of information with the appropriate geometry all wrapped up in a consistent and highly useable format; BIM objects that can deliver accurate data at the right time to inform decisions and minimise risks on any project.”
The first of its kind globally, the standard defines what constitutes a quality BIM object, and provides the foundations for a consistent approach that can be adopted by designers, manufacturers and BIM content developers alike and has played a major role in helping organisations implement digital processes, and get the most from digital construction.
The first release of the standard was developed in consultation with companies including; AEC3 Ltd, Arup Associates, Bond Bryan Architects, Doncaster Council, Ryder Architecture and Vinci Construction
In a recent report, 70 percent of UK manufacturers surveyed were aware of the NBS BIM Object Standard; increasing the adoption of it means that the industry is one step closer in building objects using a common data environment.
